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New Relationship Guilt After Bereavement — SCE Palliative Medicine MCQ

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ModerateBereavementNew Relationship Guilt After BereavementSCE Palliative Medicine

A 55-year-old woman whose partner died from cancer 2 years ago reports that she has started a new romantic relationship but feels guilty, as if she is 'betraying' her deceased partner. What should the bereavement counsellor advise?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: E — New relationships do not 'replace' the deceased partner

Explanation lettering: E = shown as A · D = shown as C · C = shown as D · A = shown as E

Option A is correct. UK-informed bereavement practice (embraced by NHS and charity services) recognises that guilt about forming new relationships post-bereavement is common and normal. The Continuing Bonds theory, accepted in UK practice, affirms that emotional bonds with the deceased continue and can coexist with new connections. Distractors B, C, D, and E reflect outdated or unsupported advice (e.g., grief completion, formal detachment, arbitrary timelines, or discouragement), all contrary to current supportive models.

Reference: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/conditions-and-diseases/cancer/palliative-care